A D-U-N-S number, short for Data Universal Numbering System, is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned to businesses by Dun & Bradstreet. It serves as a standard way to identify and track businesses for credit reporting, risk assessment, and other purposes. For instance, a company seeking to establish credit with a vendor may be asked to provide its D-U-N-S number.
D-U-N-S numbers are valuable because they provide a consistent and reliable way to identify businesses, regardless of their size or location. They help reduce errors and improve efficiency in business transactions. The system was originally developed in the 1960s as a way to track government contractors, but it has since been adopted by businesses worldwide.